You often see those mysterious looking heated rooms hidden in the corner of your gym or spa. However, have you ever paused to wonder about the use and benefits of steam sauna bath? You are actually missing out one of the most relaxing perks life has to offer. Sauna and steam rooms offer more than just trickling sweats. Take a look at its 8 health benefits.

Relieve stress and anxietyHeat from the steam bath can cause the body to release endorphins-the happy hormones. This can reduce the feeling of stress and makes you feel rejuvenated.

Eases pain and tensionThe warmth of the sauna can soothe your nerve endings and relax your muscles. In fact, some studies say that taking a steam bath can reduce joint pain and relieve headaches due to a migraine.

Make skin clearHeat from the steam can open your pores so that you can release sweat. When the pores open, the oils sitting below and over the skin gets flushed out. All the dirt from the environment and even makeup get washed away with the sweat. The steam sauna bath can be beneficial for people with acne problem.

Flushes out toxinsOur body stores toxins from the food we eat, the air we breathe and from the chemicals in the surroundings. Sweating is an excellent procedure for relieving the body from waste products. Having a 20 minutes steam bath can get rid of body’s toxin that we have been harboring all day.

Helps in weight lossSitting in a steam room can help you lose a moderate amount of weight. However, the weight that you are losing is water weight and not fat. But do not go overboard, as regular exposure to high temperature can make you lose water and electrolytes.

Opens the sinusesSteam can actually open and clear mucous membranes in sinuses, throat, and lungs. You will feel that your breathing feels clearer as mucous loosens. A Steam bath can be beneficial for people with a sinus infection and chronic congestion.

Improves blood circulationA Harvard Medical School study suggested that during a sauna the body’s pulse rate skips to 30% or more, causing the heart to nearly double the amount of blood it pumps per minute. The blood flows easily, transporting rich oxygen everywhere and leaving you feeling energized.

Good for heartDuring the steam sauna bath, our bodies can be compared to doing mild exercise. Your heart pumps faster, more blood flows throughout your body and heart pumps faster. It is like a mild workout for the heart. In fact, spending some time in the sauna can also help lower the blood pressure.